Willow branches are our palms this year - could be hard to make into crosses? A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, Summerland, on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray I begin with an extract from a 2024 sermon preached at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, UK, by then, recently... Continue Reading →
For Millions, ‘No Kings’ Is a Statement of Faith
By Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons Mar 27, 2026 - Via Sojourners The third No Kings Day this Saturday is shaping up to be the largest day of nonviolent protests in American history. There were more than 2,000 protests during the first No Kings Day in June 2025 and more than 2,700 at the second No Kings Day... Continue Reading →
I’ll be damned if Trump or Epstein or Chavez are going to steal my hope in the goodness of humanity — Anne Lamott
[Anne Lamott] We sing a hymn in church whose refrain ends, "and all around is sinking sand," and I have felt this since, oh, approximately November 2024. Everyone I know felt this, the existential instability, the sinking of our hearts. We did what we do — tried to take care of each other and not... Continue Reading →
An ending, and a beginning
Another in the series: Stories from Somewhere, by Ken Gray “In marriage, husband and wife give themselves to each other, to care for each other in good times and in bad. They are linked to each other’s families, and they begin a new life together in the community.” — Liturgy of Holy Matrimony “I hope... Continue Reading →
Resurrecting the obvious
A sermon for he congregation of St. Saviour Anglican church, Penticton BC - Sunday, March 22nd, 2026 – The Fifth Sunday in Lent - The Very Rev. Ken Gray Those of us who officiate at funerals get to say some wonderful words. For instance, right at the beginning of the service: "I am the resurrection... Continue Reading →
Barricade
Another in the series: “Stories from Somewhere” by Ken Gray Barricade — (from French barrique 'barrel') is any object or structure that creates a barrier or obstacle to control, block passage or force the flow of traffic in the desired direction. The day has finally arrived. After many weeks of planning, our small group of... Continue Reading →
Meet my friend, Ruth
To those of you who already know Ruth, what is wrong with this picture? To those of you who do not know her, you need to know that Ruth is typically NOT the one eating, but more likely the one preparing and setting out the food. She is an extroverted personality who loves to welcome,... Continue Reading →
Jazz, the Doctor of Democracy
Wynton Marsalis just stepped down as the managing and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, which he founded nearly 40 years ago. He shares his thoughts on the state of democracy in the US presently using the craft he knows so well, Jazz, to illustrate his points. TRANSCRIPT (Generated; check against delivery) [Wynton Marsalis]... Continue Reading →
Love, love, love . . . Canada?
Robert Reich on Substack - Mar 10, 2026 [Ken Gray] Robert Reich possibly exaggerates here. I know many unhappy camper Canadians, on both the right and left politically and relisiously. That said, he may have a valid point. See what you think. Why do Americans hate each other while Canadians love each other? Friends. A... Continue Reading →
The moral arc of reality — A timely Lenten reflection
From Ron Rolheiser March 9, 2026. Still a prairie boy at heart, Fr. Ron Rolheiser is one of the most prolific and respected Roman Catholic teachers and scholars alive today. Thomas Moore, the author of Care of the Soul, teaches that our most important spiritual task is to listen to the promptings of our own... Continue Reading →